Getting your period can be a real pain — literally. Periods can be uncomfortable and irritating and can cause changes in mood and happiness levels that make it hard to concentrate or get through the day at the speed we’re used to.
While everyone experiences their period differently, we’ve likely all had a bad period day or month that leaves us feeling less than our best.
A few simple period hacks can help. If you’re looking to ease the irritation and make the day-to-day of your period a little more comfortable and easy to navigate, 10PM Curfew is your leading resource for all things female lifestyle. Today, we’re giving you a closer look at some of the simple tips and techniques you can try out this month to make all the difference.
What Are Some of the Best Period Hacks To Know?
When it comes to your period, you always want to listen to your body’s needs and adjust accordingly. Pay close attention to any extreme changes in your body or period experience that might require the attention of a medical professional, and try to address the root cause of period discomfort and pain whenever you can.
All that said, these are a few simple hacks that will work for anyone experiencing a period. Try out some of the following at home, school, or work today.
Skip the Caffeine
Listen, we love a cup in the morning just as much as the next girl, but caffeine can be pretty killer when it comes to period cramps. If you’re not going to suffer any other side effects from skipping your daily brew, like headaches or withdrawal symptoms, it’s best to avoid caffeine while you’re on your period.
Caffeine has been shown to affect the flow of blood, cause or exacerbate inflammation, and lead to bloating and nausea, which are already worse during your period. It also makes us more dehydrated and has even been shown to lengthen period duration, which is a big no thanks.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is already one of the most important ways you can take care of yourself throughout the day, especially when you’re on your period. Dehydration can lead to or worsen muscle cramps, which are already common in the legs, abdomen, and lower back during your period.
It can also make your bloating worse and contribute to or worsen migraines and headaches. Staying hydrated is a simple and super effective way to protect your body from irritating period symptoms.
Avoid the Salt
Of course, period cravings are no joke. When we’re on our periods, we often find ourselves craving sweet or salty foods, which can contribute to the feelings of floating or discomfort often associated with our periods. It can also cause further dehydration, which you want to avoid.
While you don’t want to deny yourself the treats that will make you feel better, it’s best to balance out the salt when possible and avoid it as much as you can.
Keep a Spare Set
Accidents happen. If you’re out on the go, it’s a good idea to have a spare set of undies close at hand, like in your purse, locker, or desk. It’s much better to have them and not need them than to need them and not have them.
Even if you don’t have any leaks, periods can cause sweating and discharge, and it may be more comfortable to swap out your undies as needed.
Set Out Your Snacks
If you know your period is on the way, it’s a good idea to stop by the store to ensure you have snacks. While it’s admirable to try to skip the snacks completely, it’s not uncommon to have cravings, and you don’t want to spend the extra money to have snacks delivered.
It’s even worse if you have to drag yourself off the couch during your period to get those snacks, so it’s a good idea to stock up in advance.
Boost Your Iron Levels
During your period, your body loses a significant amount of blood, which means it loses a significant amount of iron. Iron is super important for carrying oxygen, and it’s not uncommon for people on their periods to experience iron deficiencies because of the excess loss. If you experience extreme fatigue, pale skin, or lightheadedness, you may be showing signs of iron deficiency.
To make sure you don’t have any symptoms of iron deficiency during your period, it’s best to fill up on foods rich in iron, like spinach and other leafy greens, legumes, and shellfish.
Get Moving
Exercise is useful for stretching out the tight muscles of your body, like those in your abdomen, legs, and lower back.
Exercise also helps to improve your mood because of those endorphins, which makes it easier to balance out some of the effects of mood swings and sadness often associated with your period.
Take Painkillers in Advance
We all know about the benefits of using over-the-counter pain meds for managing the effects of your period, but did you know that taking them in advance is even better?
Pain medications can help reduce the production of prostaglandins, which contributes to pain from cramping. They also help to reduce the inflammation that develops during your period, and getting ahead of those cramps can make a big difference.
Use Magnesium to Fight Cramps
There’s a reason chocolate is associated with our period. Magnesium can also help to reduce the development of prostaglandins, which means you experience less intense cramps and pain. It also relaxes the muscles that tighten and cramp during menstruation.
Magnesium can be found in leafy greens and whole grains, but also in dark chocolate! So when we say chocolate is the best medication, we mean it!
Drop the Temp
Due to the changing hormone levels, women’s bodies often run hot when they’re on their periods. This can make it very difficult to get to sleep at night or to stay asleep.
Since periods can cause an increase in fatigue and exhaustion, it’s especially important to create comfortable sleeping conditions that will help you get the sleep you deserve. One of the best ways to do so is by dropping the temperature in your bedroom so it’s easier to stay cool through the night.
Use Disposable Hand Warmers
If you’re at home, you can always heat up an electric blanket or water bottle, but what can you do when you’re out on the go? Disposable hand warmers are the best option.
You can keep a few in your purse or desk drawer and tuck them into your waistband or simply press them against your abdomen, as needed. It’s a quick and easy way to get the relief you need while out and about.
Update Your Cleaning Supplies
If you do have leaks or stains, it’s useful to know how to clean them out. The one thing you want to make sure you don’t do is get the stain hot. Hot water will set the stain and make it difficult, if not impossible, to clean. Start by cleaning with cold water and salt.
Saline solution, like the kind you use for your contact lenses, is also an effective way to remove stains, and once they’re out, you can toss your clothes or sheets into the laundry. The earlier you wash your clothes, the easier it will be to get stains out, so it’s best not to wait.
Conclusion
Your period may be a pain, but it doesn’t have to be. Period pain can be better managed when you follow a few simple hacks and update your home with a few affordable products. Make sure that you’re configuring a diet that supports a healthy and comfortable period, with foods that are rich in magnesium and iron and low in caffeine.
You also want to stay hydrated and try to get enough rest, which can be aided by comfortable sleeping conditions.
Other simple ways to set yourself up for period success include keeping spare clothes on hand, knowing how to clean out the stains, and stocking up on disposable hand warmers when you’re having a busy day. And, of course, you want to make sure you have all the best snacks in the pantry for when those cravings hit.
Here at 10PM Curfew, we have tips, hacks, and upcoming trends that will help to make your life easier and keep you in the know about what’s coming down the pike. You can learn more about managing your period and other life hacks and advice by following our team and sharing your insight by joining the team today.
Sources:
52 Foods High In Iron – Cleveland Clinic
Magnesium - Health Professional Fact Sheet | National Institute of Health
Endorphins: The brain’s natural pain reliever - Harvard Health